Our Lord foretelling the approaching destruction of Jerusalem, gives as remoter signs of its approach," Fearful sights, and great signs from heaven, signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars." These predicted tokens were such, as no human sagacity could possibly foresee. They were beyond the range of philosophical or political calculation, and they place the prophetic character of Christ in a most interesting light.

Let us with admiration dwell on the providence of God in raising up Josephus the Jewish historian to transmit to us such a collection of important facts, of which he was an eye-witness, as really forms an invaluable commentary on the predictions of our Saviour; and it is observable that they are not only mentioned by Josephus, but also by Tacitus the Roman historian. Those who handle the pen, as well as those who wield the sword, are at the Lord's disposal. He can never want a pen to plead his cause, nor a sword to fight his battles. But howgreat was the guilt, and how justly deserved was the awful punishment of those who rejected this prophet raised up by God; and whose mission was confirmed by the highest evidence. May that admonition be daily sounding in our ears, and sounding with effect, "See that ye refuse not him that speaketh, for if they escaped not that

refused him that spake on earth; much more shall we not escape if we turn away from him thatspeaketh from heaven."

We are struck with the high integrity which discovers itself in these most awful denunciations pronounced by this great Prophet. How they remove the character of Christ to an infinite distance from the charge of collusion or flattery, imposture, or the fear of man. For what can be conceived more contrary to the pride, envy, self-love, national prejudices, and bloodthirsty rage of the rulers of the Jews: and, be it remembered, that at the very time their hatred of him, and their covered pride, hypocrisy, and cruelty, were as clearly seen by him as insects would be if crawling in a chrystal vase..

In how amiable and endearing a light the character of Jesus appears from his conduct towards those by whom he was despised and rejected. How pathetically he bewailed the condition of Jerusalem, and how he forewarned and kindly cautioned his hearers for their safety; "Behold," said he, "I have told you before." The Christians observing the conformity of the Portents to their gracious Master's predictions, adopted means for their own safety, so that they escaped the general ruin. The rest became a carcass preyed on by the

Roman eagles, according to that ancient and divine denunciation, "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him." "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

Let us copy the bright example which the precious Saviour displayed in his love for his country, in his meekness, and in his endeavours for the good of those by whom he had been so deeply injured. Let him live in our tempers and conduct, as well as be in us the hope of glory; for he is not only our great atoning priest, but also our brightest Exemplar. Surely we should beware of angry resentments against those who are our foes, and what is of far greater importance, the foes of the truth as it is in Jesus. If he, the centre, in whom met all the lines of excellence, was thus meek and lowly of heart, towards his most deadly enemies, shall we-we from whose head the crown has fallen, and who are bound by innumerable ties to be merciful.-Shall we stretch forth the hand, seize our fellow servant by the throat, and demand without consideration or pity," Pay me what thou owest." Judge, Reader! Be faithful to God, and be faithful to thyself in this case.

THE CATECHUMENS.

At Carthage, the ancient capital of Africa, under what is called the fifth persecution,about A. D. 202,were seized four young Catechumens, Revocatus and Telicitas, slaves to the same master; with Saturninus, and Secondulus; also Vivia Perpetua, a lady of quality. She had a father, a mother, and two brothers, of whom one was a Catechumen: she was about twenty two years of age; was married, and then pregnant; and moreover, she had a young child at her breast. To these five, by an excess of zeal, too common at that time, Satur, voluntarily joined himself. While they were in the hands of the persecutors, the father of Perpetua, himself a Pagan, but full of affection to his favourite offspring, importuned her to fall from the faith. His intreaties were vain. Her pious constancy appeared to him an absurd obstinacy, and enraged him so much as to induce him to give her very rough treatment. Perpetua's prayers were directed particularly for patience under bodily pains. They were then put into a dark prison. So the rest, who had been more accus

tomed to hardships, this change of scene had not any thing in it very terrible. To her, who had experienced nothing but the delicacy of genteel life, it was peculiarly formidable and distressing. Her concern for the infant was extreme. Tertius and Pomponius, two Deacons of the Church, obtained by money, that the prisoners might go out of the dark dungeon, and for some hours refresh themselves in a more commodious place; where Perpetua gave the breast to her infant, and then recommended him carefully to her mother. For some time her mind was oppressed with concern for the misery she had brought on her family though it was for the sake of a good conscience; but she grew more composed, and her prison became a palace.

Her father, some time after, came to the prison overwhelmed with grief; which in all probability, was augmented by the reflections he had made on his own rough and angry behaviour to her at the last interview. "Have pity my daughter, says he, on my grey hairs; have pity on your father, if I was ever worthy of that name: ifI myself have brought you to this age; if I have preferred you to all your bretheren, make me not a reproach to mankind; respect your father and your Aunt. These it seems, were